The Construction History and Evolution of the Hollywood Sign

From Real Estate Advertisement to Global Icon: A Century of Transformation
Standing tall on the Santa Monica Hills in Los Angeles, the nine giant white letters spelling “HOLLYWOOD” are more than a geographic marker—they symbolize the global film industry. Yet few people know that this iconic sign was not originally associated with movies.

Phase One: Born as a Real Estate Advertisement (1923)
In 1923, to promote a new residential development in the Hollywood Hills, developers commissioned the construction of a massive sign reading “HOLLYWOODLAND.” Each letter was approximately 15 meters high and 9 meters wide, built with a wooden frame and metal panels, anchored into the hillside with concrete pilings.
To make the sign visible at night, over 4,000 light bulbs were installed, with a sequenced lighting pattern—first “HOLLY,” then “WOOD,” and finally “LAND.” This was a bold move in visual advertising at the time. Originally planned to last just 18 months, the sign remained due to its powerful visual impact and extensive media attention.

Phase Two: Functional Shift and Structural Adjustment (1949)

After the housing development project concluded, the original purpose of the “HOLLYWOODLAND” sign became obsolete. By the 1940s, the sign had deteriorated badly, with some letters leaning or collapsing. In 1949, the Los Angeles Parks Department took over and began restoration efforts.
The sign was shortened to “HOLLYWOOD,” representing the broader entertainment industry. The lighting system was removed, and parts of the wooden structure were replaced with metal supports, preserving the original visual style. This marked its transformation from a commercial ad into a cultural city landmark.

Phase Three: Complete Reconstruction (1978)
By the late 1970s, the sign had again fallen into severe disrepair, with some letters completely collapsing. Repairing it was no longer feasible. In response, the Hollywood community and entertainment industry launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild the sign. Each letter’s reconstruction cost approximately $28,000 and was “sponsored” by public figures.
For example, rock star Alice Cooper sponsored the letter “O,” and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner sponsored the letter “H.” The original structure was completely demolished, and the new sign was built using welded steel frames.

The new letters were taller, sturdier, and coated with rust-proof and UV-resistant paint to withstand California’s variable climate. Advanced technology, including helicopter hoisting, was used during construction. In October 1978, the new Hollywood sign was unveiled with a grand ceremony.

Phase Four: Protection and Symbolism (1978–Present)
Today, the Hollywood Sign has become a universal cultural symbol. It no longer merely denotes a geographic location or advertises property. Instead, it represents dreams, creativity, opportunity, and success—embodying the spirit of the film industry.
To protect this landmark, the city of Los Angeles established the Hollywood Sign Trust, installed security cameras and fencing, and restricted public access to prevent vandalism. The sign has undergone several repaintings and structural maintenance projects to ensure its continued presence.
From a real estate advertisement to a cultural emblem, the century-long evolution of the Hollywood Sign is a vivid testament to the intersection of industry and art, commerce and spirit.

The Power of Chinese Manufacturing: Kexian Advertising Company
In western China, a dedicated team is crafting their own version of a “Hollywood miracle” with craftsmanship and innovation.

Kexian Advertising Company, located in Nanchong—the central city of northeastern Sichuan—is a comprehensive signage enterprise with over 20 years of history. Integrating design, production, and sales, Kexian specializes in manufacturing large-scale Signage Systems, including landscape letters, illuminated letters, metal letters, light boxes, neon signs, and wayfinding systems. Their products are widely used across chain stores, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, public spaces, real estate, and hospitality sectors.
Many of Kexian’s products have obtained international certifications such as CE, ROHS, and UL, ensuring reliable quality and advanced craftsmanship. The company has become a preferred supplier for numerous well-known domestic brands and successfully joined Alibaba International in 2022, operating two premium “Gold Supplier” stores. Its products are now exported to over 100 countries and regions, earning global acclaim.

Inside the Production of Large-Scale Signs: Crafting a City’s Nameplate
At Kexian, every large signage product reflects a standardized, systematic production process. Here's a breakdown of the typical workflow:
1. Customization & Design
• Discuss installation environment, lighting needs, color scheme, and material budget with the client
• The engineering team delivers 3D models, structural sketches, wiring diagrams, and rendered visuals
• Sample production provided to confirm color and structure

2. Material Procurement & Pre-Processing
• Premium materials used: 304 stainless steel, galvanized sheets, acrylic, PC sheets
• Materials classified and prepared according to blueprints
• Pre-processed with laser cutting, CNC engraving to ensure precision

3. Precision Forming & Welding
• Shells formed using large-format fiber laser cutters and acrylic laser engravers
• Multiple precision bending steps to ensure seamless, non-deforming edges
• Skilled workers perform TIG or laser welding for structural integrity and durability

4. Surface Treatment & Coating
• Metal components polished and treated for rust resistance
• Processed in enclosed dust-free spray booths for effects such as baking paint, brushed finish, mirror polish, and antique bronze
• UV flatbed printers used for direct, long-lasting graphic printing

5. Light Source Integration & Waterproofing
• Integrated LED modules (available in RGB, steady-light, or neon effects) with unified wiring layout
• Wiring designed to meet IP65/67 international waterproof standards for outdoor conditions
• Multi-layer testing: voltage, illumination, waterproofing, and aging tests

6. Assembly & Quality Control
• Fully assembled and tested in-house; modular design for ease of transport and installation
• Multi-stage quality checks: structure, lighting, measurements, packaging
• Each product tagged with a serial number and warranty label

7. Packaging & Global Shipping
• Custom wooden crates, foam cushioning, reinforced frames for maximum protection
• Global logistics partners include FedEx, DHL, UPS, EMS for secure and efficient delivery

Precision Craftsmanship for a Global Audience
Kexian Advertising adheres to the company motto: “Do one thing, and do it thoroughly, excellently, and on a global scale.” With continuous innovation in line with international trends and Chinese manufacturing strength, the company has developed over a hundred types of landscape letters, custom-shaped signs, and LED lightbox products. These solutions cater to the aesthetic and functional needs of diverse regions.
Looking ahead, Kexian will continue to embrace the spirit of craftsmanship, telling the stories of cities through the language of signage—allowing Chinese-made landmark signs to shine brightly across the globe.

Media Contact
Julia (Marketing Manager)
Address: Kexian Advertising, Sanqiao, Fengjia Bridge, Yanjing Avenue, Jialing District, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, China
Phone: +86-19161328469
Email: kxsign01@aliyun.com
Website: https://www.sckxsigns.com/